Products

Continental Improves Rolling Resistance by 20% in Some Lines

Continental Tire the Americas

Continental Tire the Americas’ Commercial Vehicle Tire group has announced updates to its commercial light truck tire lines for North America, the HSR and HDR.

Available now for both original equipment and replacement, the improved HSR (Heavy Steer Regional) and HDR (Heavy Drive Regional) in size 225/70R19.5 offer up to 20% improvement in rolling resistance and mileage over the original models, said Libor Heger, Continental’s director of truck technology, the Americas.

The improvements not only allow OEMs to meet their 2014 EPA and NHTSA Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Engines and Vehicles targets for rolling resistance and emissions reduction, but also resulted in improved ride and handling characteristics.

The tires’ rolling resistance coefficients have been measured using the ISO 28580 standard and has already been added to the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Model database for manufacturers of Class 2b – 8 vocational trucks, classified as Category 3 by the EPA.

The HSR offers speed rating “N” for optimum handling at highway speeds, also important for commercial light trucks whose business may depend on just-in-time deliveries. Tread depth is 16/32-inch for the all-position tread pattern, which provides long mileage in regional and local service. The improved HSR still offers a closed shoulder tread pattern for even wear and reduced noise, and a scuff rib to protect against curbing, cuts and abrasions – important for working commercial light trucks in urban or construction environments.

The HDR also offers speed rating “N”, and features a tread depth of 18/32-inch. The HDR continues to offer an open shoulder tread pattern with tie-bar, which provides even tread wear along with reduced noise and excellent traction. Its aggressive tread design provides excellent lateral stability to minimize squirm and perform well in wet conditions.